Everything You Need To Know: What's New And What's Back For Hamptons 2012

by Chelsea Burcz · May 3, 2012

    It's been a long and litigious winter -- from Southampton to Montauk there have been some heavy hitting changes out East. From the Surf Lodge being sold to Montauk Properties LLC, to renovations at the Sloppy Tuna, The Talkhouse, the Blue Parrot, and Banzai Burger, to who is replacing AXE Lounge, to boozy brunches, and pop up shops galore, see what's been happening in the Hamptons after the jump!

    A new Mediterranean restaurant opened in East Hampton. The restaurant, called Andrra, is located at 39 Gann Road and is currently taking reservations.

    The drama never ends at the Surf Lodge. We learned that the Surf Lodge has officially been sold. Only days after the departure of head chef Sam Talbot, Montauk Properties LLC (headed by Michael Walrath) took over ownership of the Surf Lodge. Not everything's changing, though -- Jayma Cardoso, will stay on as day-to-day manager. Click HERE for more details.

    [Photo: Surf Lodge]

    Montauk's sloppiest spot, the Sloppy Tuna, plans to make a comeback with a slew of renovations. They told us they have, "undertaken a complete overhaul of the outdoor beach bar and of the second floor restaurant area, increasing the size of the oceanfront outdoor deck and creating an indoor/outdoor circular bar that faces the beach." Beach bar? Heck yeah.

    A little birdy told us that AXE Lounge is no more. Instead NYC's W.I.P. will be taking over the old Dune space and will be calling it "Sands."

    The Capri, along with NoBu and Cynthia Rowley, will be back in action this summer in Southampton. According to owner Steven Kamali, the Cynthia Rowley store will now have more menswear gear and cool accessories. He also mentioned that they will have special nights with notable DJs that will be announced. Poolside sushi, anyone?

    PJ Monte, James Cruickshank, and Sean Kinneorking are throwing some parties out in Montauk again this year that will be sure to please.

    Sick of waiting in bathroom lines at the Talkhouse? Apparently they doing renovations to their back patio that will make those lines shorter.

    Hamptons Free Ride is expanding to Montauk! Getting to and from the beach has never been easier, and now you can get free trips in Montauk, too.

    [Photo: Bon Jovi getting a Free Ride.]

    Get ready for a summer of pop-up stores. So far we know that the Hamptons will be getting a C. Wonder (5 Main Street, Southampton); Dylan's Candy Bar (52 Main Street, East Hampton); and a Whole Foods (Wainscott).

    SL East has plans to return to the old Lily Pond haunt. Two years in the same spot? They must have shown they've got what it takes last year.

    In other shopping news, James Fairchild will be opening a boutique in Southampton, called James B. Fairchild. The store, which is housed in a 900-square-foot former ice cream factory, will sell home goods, children's wear, and men and women's clothing and accessories. Go HERE for more info.

    Beaumarchais is bringing their infamous boozy brunch out East. Set to open May 18th, the party brunch we know and love will be held every Saturday and Sunday throughout the summer, and the restaurant will also be open for dinner. Go HERE for more info.

    Zum Schneider coming to Montauk. Everyone's favorite East Village beer garden headed eastward, and will open this summer in the former Oyster Pond space. Will this mean a new Montauk Bermuda Triangle? No news yet on when opening day is, but you can go HERE for more info.

    Zum Schneider isn't the only new beer garden headed to the Hamptons. The Hamptons Players Club will open by Memorial Day, and will be located at 103 Montauk Highway. Go HERE for more info.

    The Bell & Anchor will open in Sag Harbor. The restaurant, which is inspired by Sag Harbor's maritime history, is the latest venture from co-owners David Lowenberg and Sam McCleland (the team behind The Beacon). The menu will focus on seafood and steak.

    Muse restaurant is opening in the former JLX Bistro space. Muse will be a spinoff of Muse Restaurant & Aquatic Lounge in Water Mill, and though there aren't many details available yet, we do know that the restaurant will have a huge indoor fish tank.

    East Hampton's Blue Parrot has expanded their patio. The celebrity hot spot will be closing for a special night with Hamptons Free Ride in June as well.

    Southampton Social Club is getting a makeover. Opening May 25th, the new Southampton Social Club will feature a renovated indoor/outdoor space (including a garden and a patio), new amenities, and a more extensive food and drinks menu. The changes added are by Paige Management.

    Banzai Burger is reopening on May 25th. This will be the first full season for the burger and sushi restaurant, and expected changes include an updated decor, new menu items, and a new cocktail program. "The menu has literally doubled," says owner Steve Kasuba "there is something for everybody and it’s perfect for sharing."

    [Banzai Burger]

    The Ronjo Motel is no longer. Say goodbye to the outdated Ronjo, because this summer it's reopening as a high-end boutique hotel called The Montauk Beach House. The guys from Sole East are the ones behind the project, so we can expect a trendy renovation.

    There are a ton of new dining options in the Hamptons this summer, including a new Italian restaurant, Sotto Sopra. The restaurant, which is in the space that was formerly Exile On Main Street, is already open and according to Curbed, is definitely worth checking out.

    Dan's Taste of Two Forks is returning to Bridgehampton for the 2nd year. The food and wine event will be held on July 14 at Sayre Park, and will showcase restaurants and wineries from the Hamptons. Click HERE to learn more and buy tickets.

    Nammos Estiatorio, located in the former Nello Summertimes' space, is now open in Southampton. The Greek and Mediterranean restaurant specializes in charcoal grilled whole-fish entrees, and is currently accepting reservations.

    A new BBQ spot will be opening up next to Bostwick's in East Hampton. And speaking of which, Bostwick's opened on April 26th this season, so go in and grab some grub.

    Barry's Bootcamp is popping up in East Hampton! The fitness studio, which has 6 other locations, will open in late May or early June, and like at the NYC studio, classes will cost $32.

    Charlotte Ronson and Cinema Society's Andrew Saffir and Daniel Benedict will be hosting this year's Love Heals at Luna Farms Benefit. The benefit, which will raise funds for Love Heals, the Alison Gertz Foundation for AIDS Education, is set to take place on July 7th and will celebrate Love Heals' 20th anniversary.

    A new home design store, MONC XIII, is now open in Sag Harbor. The store will sell vintage furniture and stylish home accents from luxury brands around the world, and designers are already loving the store for their supply of one-of-a-kind items!

    Trina Turk's East Hampton store is reopening on May 18th! The fourth seasonal Trina Turk 'chic beach boutique' will carry both women's ready-to-wear clothing and accessories, as well as Mr. Turk menswear, swim, home wears, and jewelry.The pop-up store will be located at 79 Main Street in East Hampton.

    The Crow's Nest officially opens the weekend of May 18th, and we can expect a few changes. We already know that all of the rooms have been redone and now there is a cottage house that guests can rent.

    B. Smith's in Sag Harbor opened for their 15th season yesterday, and the back deck was already packed with brunch-goers! Click HERE for more info or to make reservations.

    Cyril's Fish House on Montauk Highway is officially open for the season. Cyril's is always packed with people stopping for a drink on their way out East, and this weekend was no exception!